Walking Directions: Continue to Principessa Elena on the left hand (north) side of Oak where you can watch the video in the next stop. You will cross the street to the corner of Oak and South Franklin then head back up to Oak and Beekman.
Listen:
The Story
The Principessa Elena Society was founded on January 4, 1900. One of the founders was Pasquale Simone who plays a role in the following “Italian Story” video clip. Pasquale had a shop downstairs and lived upstairs. He was a founding member of the Principessa Elena Society. The Society was organized by a group of Italian American men to assist Italian families recently immigrated to the area. They helped with locating places to stay, getting jobs and everything else needed by the new settlers. The society continues to have an active membership and is still located in the original building at 13 Oak Street.
They were responsible for organizing the annual St. Michael’s festival and parade among many other charitable activities. They continue to support the community with events and services in Saratoga. They hold monthly meetings, weekly dinners and sponsor a great number of charitable events. The women’s auxiliary, founded in 1951, is particularly active in raising funds for charities and organizing holiday events and dinners.
Artwork
West Side Heritage Tour 